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Best electric Shiatsu pillow massagers for pain relief - Buying Guide: 2024

Shiatsu massage therapy is an ideal complementary treatment for people suffering from muscle injuries and other physical ailments. It is possible to apply the Far Eastern therapy through a physiotherapist or with the help of an electric massage cushion. If you want to learn more and find out what Shiatsu massage is and how it works, please read on.

We will show you how to choose the best acupressure massage pillow in a simple and detailed way throughour buying guide. We will also talk about the benefits and advantages you will get from a shiatsu massage, and tell you how to use a kneading pillow properly so as not to make mistakes and get the most out of it. Let's begin.

What is the best Shiatsu pillow massager for pain relief?

Papillon - Electric massage pillow for back, neck and shoulders
  • Size: 29,9x10x18cm - 11,81x3,94x7,09in
  • Weight: 0,63Kg - 1,44 lbs
  • Material: Polyester
  • Power supply: Corded
  • Heat Effect: Yes
  • Adjustable velcro strap design
  • Quality materials
  • Automatic shut-off function after 15 minutes
  • Easy and simple to use
  • Massage too intense for some people
  • Small for larger feet
The distribution of the nodes and the quality of the materials of the Papillon Shiatsu cushion for vibration massages will help you recover faster from muscular injuries of the back, neck and legs. But that's not all, by stimulating blood circulation, you will reduce stress and promote healthy actions for your life. Its size adapts easily to the headrest of your car.

Its use is simple, you just have to choose if you want to add the heat effect to the massage and then adjust any of the three speed levels to reach the deep tissues of the body. It does not cause burns because its heating system is by infrared means, which generates greater protection. It has a Velcro strap to prevent it from slipping during use, but note that the 15-minute auto shut-off function may fail in some cases.

SNAILAX - Neck & Shoulder Massage Pillow
  • Measurements: 39.8x26.9x9.9cm - 15.7x10.6x3.9in
  • Weight: Not specified
  • Material: Polyester
  • Power supply: Corded
  • Heating effect: Yes
  • Different vibration modes
  • Easy to clean device
  • Does not specify weight
Don't miss the opportunity to have your own masseuse at home, for that you need to use the Snailax Shiatsu massage cushion. It is designed with high quality plush that covers the four rollers to act efficiently on the superficial part of the skin and deep tissues. Thanks to this, you will limit pain caused by pulled muscles in the legs, hips and back.

The perforated fabric helps the transmission of heat therapy, which you can choose to achieve better blood circulation and reduced stress. The distribution of the massages is done in a circular way, being able to choose the change of rotation automatically, this makes it the ideal complement to relieve neck knots. It has a cover to cover the nodes, but in some people the thickness was scarce.

Zyllion - Massager Machine with 4 Shiatsu massage nodes and heat therapy
  • Size: 33x24x8,8cm - 13x9,5x3,5in
  • Weight: 1,58Kg - 3,5 lbs
  • Material: Synthetic leather
  • Power supply: With cable and car adapter
  • Heat effect: Yes
  • Includes car adapter
  • Velcro straps for optimal fit
  • Overheating protection
  • With heat therapy
  • Massage too intense for some people
  • Complicated cleaning
In your free time you can relax your neck, shoulder and back muscles with a Zyllion Shiatsu massage cushion. It is intended to be used intensively, although it is not recommended for health to exceed 20 minutes of daily session, so the automatic shutdown system is activated at that limit. Its materials are of good quality because they do not produce skin allergy and effectively transmit the vibrations and heat of the 4 nodes.

Its size is suitable for transportation. You can use its vibration rollers in a circular way to improve blood circulation, as it adapts easily to the calf and sole of the foot to reduce pain in the fibers of the calf and plantar fasciitis. It is ideal for wearing to work or after the gym, although the perforated mesh can be broken by vibration.

WOQQW - Deep tissue massage pillow for neck and shoulder pain
  • Dimensions: 38,1x22,8x9,9cm - 15x9x3,9in
  • Weight: 1,71Kg - 3,77lbs
  • Material: Synthetic leather
  • Power supply: Corded
  • Heating effect: Yes
  • Suitable for various areas of the body
  • Provides stress and pain relief
  • Does not specify measurements
When you suffer from muscle tension in your back or legs, choose the WOQQW Shiatsu pillow so that its strategically distributed nodes adapt to the contours of your body and help blood circulation. This can be done thanks to the range of its rollers in the deep tissues and superficial skin fiber, which can transmit heat to achieve better benefits.

Note that, you can use the massage cushion on a daily basis when you have a free time of 15 minutes, you just need to place it on your couch at home or on the seat of your car, thanks to the adjustment strap located on the back. Its rectangular shape size offers more coverage for the back and its power supply is produced by adapters, which may have a short cable for some places.

VIKTOR JURGEN - Back and Neck Massager pillow with Heat therapy
  • Size: 36x25,4x22cm - 14,2x10x8,7in
  • Weight: 1,51Kg - 3,33lbs
  • Material: Not specified
  • Power supply: Corded
  • Heating effect: Yes
  • Automatic shut-off function
  • Provides stress and pain relief
  • Promotes blood circulation
  • Suitable for various areas of the body
  • Complicated cleaning
  • Only 2 speeds
The deep kneading that you will get with the VIKTOR JURGEN Shiatsu pillow for vibrating massages will help you to lower muscle stress and improve symptoms caused by neck pulls and knots. To do this, you will need to find a comfortable place in your home, work or gym and program the different nodes to use the rollers as efficiently as possible, according to your needs. In addition, you can combine heat therapy for complete relaxation.

After a Shiatsu massage session you will feel an immediate relief that will help you recover the elasticity of the musculotendinous structure . Place the cushion on the affected area so that the four nodes massage the muscles in a multidirectional way, which you can customize to change direction automatically. The fabric and mesh are synthetic and can accumulate sweat during therapy.

VIKTOR JURGEN - Shiatsu neck massage pillow for men and women
  • Measurements: 43,1x12,7x35,5cm - 17x5x14in
  • Weight: 1,31Kg - 2,9lbs
  • Material: Not specified
  • Power supply: Corded
  • Heating effect: Yes
  • Suitable for various body areas
  • Adjustable velcro strap design
  • No material specified
The body adaptation offered by the VIKTOR JURGEN pillow for Shiatsu massage therapy is ideal for reaching deep tissues and provoking myofascial release quickly. To do this, you need to place the vibrating cushion on the tired muscles and then program the massage direction and heat function. You will feel an increase in temperature in the fibers, this means that the blood circulation is eliminating stagnant toxins and lactic acid.

It is made of eco-friendly materials that prevent the accumulation of dust, which avoids direct friction with the skin. It is the ideal gift you can choose for elderly people or for athletes who just need to get a quick recovery of their muscles. It does not have a rechargeable battery, as its power supply is produced by electric cable, but the automatic shut-off time may fail with use.

MoCuishle - Electric massager pillow for muscle pain relief
  • Dimensions: 30,9x18x10,6cm - 12,2x7,1x4,2in
  • Weight: 1,13Kg - 2,5 lbs
  • Material: Not specified
  • Power supply: With cable and car adapter
  • Heat Effect: Yes
  • Easy and simple to use
  • Relieves tension in various areas
  • No material specified
MoCuishle Shiatsu cushion rollers are strategically designed to touch the body's trigger points and relieve pain from tired and stiff muscles. Its use is simple, just find a comfortable position at home or work to keep the muscle structure from being tense, then you have to program the 15 minute shut off and press on the power button. This will start the therapy session working to stimulate vasodilation.

When you use the vibrating massage pillow frequently, you will not only prevent the occurrence of new injuries, but also improve the elastic performance of the muscles. Note that you can interchange two nodes to get a better massage experience, which will serve you to get more therapeutic benefits. Its mesh fabric is perforated, but its synthetic leather material does not include a cover for improved comfort.

Keenray - Electric Shiatsu cushion for neck and back massage
  • Size: 33x33x9,3cm - 13x13x3,7in
  • Weight: 1,95Kg - 4,3lbs
  • Material: Not specified
  • Power supply: Corded
  • Heating effect: Yes
  • 8 massage nodes
  • Automatic shut-off function
  • No material specified
Choose the same product that athletes use. They stimulate blood circulation and remove lactic acid buildup from their muscles with a Keenray Shiatsu massager. Just place the massage cushion on the leg, sole of the foot or anywhere you find muscle tension and then, select the direction of the massage to get the deep kneading to activate myofascial release.

It is ideal for use in the living room when you come home from work because the eight 3D nodes deliver a pleasant warmth that reduces the feeling of fatigue. In addition, its size and the quality of the fabric, with breathable mesh, provide a nice style to match your living room couches. The automatic shut-off system activates after 15 minutes, cutting off the 110-220V power load. The easy-transfer handle can be removed over time.

Snailax - Electric massager pillow for neck, shoulders and lower back
  • Dimensions: 36,3x20,1x12,8cm - 14,33x7,95x5,04in
  • Weight: 1,67Kg - 3,7lbs
  • Material: Synthetic leather
  • Power supply: Corded
  • Heating effect: Yes
  • Helps reduce stress
  • Travel-friendly size
  • Optimized heat therapy
  • Adjustable for use on various areas of the body
  • Massage too intense for some people
  • Noisy vibration
The ergonomic shape and size of the Snailax Shiatsu massager is ideal for carrying it everywhere. Thanks to this benefit you will be able to relax your mind and improve the health of the deep tissues and trigger points of the body in your free time. Please note that the nodes of the vibrating cushion should touch the area you want to massage, this will cause the deep kneading to reach the nerve roots so that the body secretes endorphin to achieve a sense of well-being.

Its design is suitable for infrared heat therapy because the four 3D rotating nodes transmit the ideal temperature to loosen muscles. It is covered with polyester material, which can accumulate sweat during use. The Shiatsu massage cushion is versatile and transportable, but keep in mind that you will always need a power supply because it does not have a rechargeable battery.

Mynt - Wireless Shiatsu cushion for back and neck massager with heat therapy
  • Dimensions: 30,9x19,9x11,5cm - 12,2x7,87x4,53in
  • Weight: 1,54Kg - 3,4lbs
  • Material: Not specified
  • Power source: Battery (2 hours)
  • Heat Effect: Yes
  • Overheat protection
  • 4 3D massage nodes
  • Auto shut-off function
  • Rechargeable battery
  • Massage too intense for some people
  • No material specified
The Mynt massage cushion is one of the most sought after Shiatsu massagers by experts and athletes, this is due to the technology applied in the construction of the battery operated pillow. It is ergonomically designed so that the entire surface of the cushion has contact with the muscle contour,which helps the efficiency of the massage and get the rollers to stimulate blood circulation through the venules and arterioles.

Its battery takes a little over 3 hours to recharge, and its battery life is about 120 minutes, but note that it has an automatic 15-minute timer to prevent bruising and the motor from overheating. If you prefer, you can use the cushion via the 100-240v adapter. The seams and material are very strong, but being made of polyester, it may cause skin irritation.

Video: How to use Shiatsu massage pillow?

Types of massage machine products you need to know about

What is a shiatsu massage and how does it work?

Shiatsu is an oriental therapeutic massage technique based on pressure on trigger points and energy channels in the body. It is applied by acupressure, i.e. finger pressure, but electric massagers specially designed for this purpose can also be used

It is similar to acupuncture, but in this case needles are not used to try to reduce the stiffness of the fascia and achieve myofascial release. Fascia is a thin membrane that lines the structures of the body. When it becomes stiff for various reasons, myofascial restriction occurs, causing pain and other discomfort. When shiatsu massage is used with the help of pillows, deep tissue points are pressed to release fascia and reduce muscle stiffness and pain, among other benefits.

Tips for buying the best shiatsu massage pillow

Take a look at our buying guide that will help you choose the best shiatsu massage pillow. Pay attention to every detail:

Material

Its bottom is usually made of rubber to prevent slipping , while its top cover is made of skin-friendly fabric that won't allow sweat to accumulate. It can be made of eco-friendly leather, 3D mesh or a breathable synthetic material that transmits vibrations well. For the latter, micro-perforated fabric is often used, which also helps to increase comfort during the session.

Size and weight

Shiatsu massage pillows have a flat rectangular shape, which means they can be folded for storage and transportation. There are different sizes of vibration massagers, and thanks to this variable, you can decide whether you can use it in the car, in the office or just at home. Remember that its size should be big enough to cover your neck, shoulders or back, depending on your own needs.

Movement

The movements of a shiatsu massage pillow are helpful in relieving pain and improving blood circulation. The cushions are divided by knots and provide different types of massage through their rollers, which can move clockwise, counterclock wise or in a straight line, from top to bottom or vice versa. You can change the direction as many times as you want, but it depends on the features that the particular massager offers.

Types of massages

The types of massage that you can find on a good shiatsu massage pillow are vibration and acupressure therapy. However, this does not mean that it is not possible to combine this Far Eastern technique with heat therapy and kneading. It is also possible to use the bionic massage on the facial area and prevent the skin from cracking, as it is moisturized by the ultrasound. Other shiatsu massagers include inflatable bags that can be inflated and deflated to apply compression therapy to the muscles.

Power and speed

To achieve short-term therapeutic results, it is necessary to combine the speed and force levels of the massager. This mixture makes it possible to reach the deep tissues without contusions and completely relax the muscles.

When a shiatsu massage cushion is electrically powered, it requires a power supply between 100 V and 240 V, although there are also massagers with 12 V adapters and rechargeable batteries. In short, to be considered a reliable product, it must have an amperage greater than 2, a power greater than 25 W at a minimum of 50 Hz and run at 2800 rpm.

Effect of heat

A good way to quickly achieve myofascial loosening is to stimulate blood circulation through heat therapy. It is possible to perform heat treatment during the shiatsu massage session by using heating pads. These pillows can be heated with the help of an electronic mechanism integrated into the pillow itself. Some pillows have an automatic shut-off function when the temperature is between 100°F and 108°F (38°C and 42°C).

Battery life

The life of the rechargeable lithium-ion battery depends on how the pillow is used. This means that its battery can hold the charge from 15 minutes to more than 2 hours of continuous use, with the standard charging time being about 3 hours

Price

The price depends on the number of nodes that the shiatsu massage pillow has, as well as the power and speed of its rollers. But that's not all, it is also important to consider in this analysis variable whether there is an overheating protection function and whether a thermal massage tool is included.

Finally, the quality of the materials that prevent sweating and the versatility of the pillow for use on different parts of the body are also aspects that affect the price. It is important to remember that a cheap product can harm your health. Therefore, we recommend that you always choose a shiatsu massage pillow that meets your needs and is safe.

Advantages and benefits of shiatsu massage therapy

If you choose manual shiatsu massage as a complementary therapy, you will have immediate benefits and advantages for your health. Here are the most important aspects:

  • Releases mental tension: Pressure on trigger points stimulates the release of substances that promote general well-being, resulting in a psychological balance that reduces symptoms of anxiety and frustration.
  • Helps combat stress: Improves endorphin release and leads to more restful sleep as the body releases endorphins.
  • Reduces symptoms of fatigue and tiredness: Massaging the deep muscles increases the user's energy, making him ready to tackle daily tasks with more enthusiasm.
  • Improves posture: The massages correct the elasticity of the muscles and strengthen the body structure, resulting in better posture and preventing stiff lower back, shoulders and neck.
  • It promotes blood circulation in veins and arteries: Loosening the fascia can improve circulation, allowing more oxygen and nutrients to reach the tissues and fibers where toxins are located. This process relieves pain and reduces inflammation in pulled muscles.
  • It eliminates stiffness in the muscles: Note that acupressure contributes to myofascial release, which softens the deeper tissues. This produces better elasticity of the muscle structure.
  • It helps to increase aerobic capacity: Shiatsu massages are ideal for improving aerobic capacity because they contribute to blood circulation. This increases the efficiency of the lungs and heart, which is used by the muscles and leads to a better physical condition.
  • Improves the symptoms of arthritis: Inflammation and accumulation of synovial fluid can be treated by shiatsu massage, which contributes to the range of motion of the joints.
  • It shortens the recovery period after an injury: Due to better blood circulation during shiatsu massage, muscles are cleared of toxic molecules that are in their fibers. This process improves the recovery time from strains and other ailments.
  • It eliminates muscle knots: Remember that the formation of knots is created by lack of activity or demanding movements during exercises, which causes the muscle structure to stretch and not return to its normal position. Shiatsu massages help eliminate these lumps by helping to stretch the fibers.

F.A.Q: Frequently Asked Questions

Are shiatsu massage pillows really work?

Shiatsu massage pillows work very well because they perfectly simulate the massages that physiotherapists perform with their nodes and hands. This is due to the strategic distribution of the nodes in the pillows, which exert the necessary pressure on the trigger points of the body to reach the deeper tissues.

How to use a shiatsu massage pillow correctly?

The most important thing to keep in mind when using a shiatsu massage cushion is the duration of therapy, which should not exceed 15 to 20 minutes per session. Remember that you can use the massager once a day and not more than four times a week. Also, make sure that your massage cushion does not have a function against overheating, as this could seriously damage your skin.

To use a massage cushion properly, you need to find a body position until the muscles you want to knead are relaxed. For example, if you want to release the tension in your neck, you should lie down or sit on a comfortable chair. Then you should make sure you have a charged battery with you or be near a power outlet to plug in the pillow.

Place the Shiatsu Node pillow on your body and start the session with a low vibration level and speed. Remember that massage therapists have different types and directions of massage, so you don't have to worry about changing the kneading style. After two to three minutes, increase the intensity of the massage to stimulate blood flow. Note that you can use heat therapy, which is incorporated in a gentle way.

Perform the above step for at least 15 minutes. At the end, you should reduce the revolutions of the rollers and continue the massage for another 60 seconds. When you start to feel the relaxation in your body, start to slowly straighten up and try to stretch the massaged area for further results.

Where can you use a shiatsu massage pillow?

You can use a shiatsu massage pillow on the neck, back, lower back, hips, thighs, calves and feet. You can also apply acupressure therapy with the help of a vibrating pillow on shoulders, arms and hands. In other words, massage therapy with a shiatsu pillow can be applied to a large part of the body.

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